This paper presents a framework for equity in genomic medicine and research. In England, those of non-European ancestry are currently underrepresented within biobanks in comparison to population statistics. There is a need to understand the barriers diverse publics face in engaging with and consenting to take part in genomic research. Thus, a workshop series was run with diverse publics across England focussing on four key areas: engagement practices, consent practices, research governance, and international partnerships in relation to low- and middle-income countries. Participants centred many of their expectations in relation to community benefit. In the UK the concept of public benefit has gained traction as a way to assess if healthcare innovations benefit members of the public fairly and research is not being conducted solely for profit. Extending this to diverse publics, community benefit understands what it is that members of diverse communities expect in order to increase consent to take part in research. The concept of community benefit was framed by participants in ways in which their cultural values play a large role in what would be acceptable research practices. Descriptions of expectations of engagement, consent, governance and international partnerships were consistent with cultural models for these groups. Thus, the framework has been developed to be culturally appropriate for diverse participants. A set of recommendations has been put forward for organisations and professionals working in this area in the UK.
